Explores the changing discourse regarding the relationship between homosexuality and politics in Africa over the past century. Among its perspectives are African sodomy in the missionary position, the World Conference of Anglican Bishops, and Thabo Mbeki's AIDS blues. Index, bib, notes, 187pp, USA. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PRESS.

The editors and contributors to this volume - Ada Uzoamaka Azodo, Maureen Ngozi Eke, Christiane P. Makward, Miriam C. Gyimah, Keith M. Harris, and Chukwuma Okoye - draw attention to the scarcity of (homo)sexuality as an abiding theme in African creative and artistic activities, emphasizing the need to separate sex from gender, investigate the correlation between gender and sex as categories of human identities, and between gender and creative artistic practices. Index, 332pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

A lot is known about the sexual and reproductive health aspects of sexuality through large-scale surveys, including the World Fertility surveys and Demographic and Health surveys. Anthro-pologists have largely documented the exotic rites de passage and marriage in traditional societies while popular media has, in recent years, made significant inroads in breaking the silence surrounding sexuality. Yet, much remains to be discovered regarding the positive and non-heterosexual expressions of sexuality in Africa. The papers in this book are characterised by a wide-ranging view and tone that is often speculative and best viewed as a provocative introduction to an important field of enquiry, rather than as a scientific assessment of sexuality in Africa. Index, 244pp, SOUTH AFRICA. FANELE.

A concise guide unearthing the hidden history of lesbians, gays, cross dressers, eunuchs, transsexuals over the world and through time. The author looks at the contributions of science and medicine and covers the war against sexual non conformists. Also includes a country by country survey of the laws that affect sexual minorities. Index, bib, app, 144pp, UK. VERSO. 1859843530

A collection of essays critically examining current understandings of sexuality in Africa, discussing issues of colonial and contemporary discourse, female genital mutilation, female agency and feminist engagement with HIV/AIDS. The authors also contribute to current efforts to rethink sexualities in light of feminist, queer and postcolonial theory. Illustrated with b/w photographs. Refs, 276pp, SWEDEN. NORDIC AFRICA INSTITUTE, 917106513X

Examines how development projects around the world intended to promote population management, disease prevention, and maternal and child health, intentionally and unintentionally shape ideas about what constitutes normal sexual practices and identities. Includes essays on sex education in Uganda and sexuality in Abidjan. Index, bib, 342pp, USA. DUKE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Documents female same-sexuality in East and southern Africa. Eight of the chapters have been co-authored by women activists spanning six different countries. They have collected personal narratives on a range of issues related to sex and secrecy. This is an incredibly difficult area to research as many African leaders declare it taboo on the basis that these practices are alien to African culture and an import from the depraved West. The book demonstrates that there are silenced, traditional, institutionalised ways in which African women contracted same-sex relations. It also proclaims the right of African women engaged in same-sex practices or relations to their identities as Africans. Index, 335pp, SOUTH AFRICA. JACANA MEDIA.

A pioneering book about the coming out (into public view) of individuals who in the past tended to keep a low profile, posing the key questions: what does the history of homosexuality and the reactions against it tell us about African history in general? how might this knowledge help us in struggles against HIV/AIDS, gender violence and other social inequalities in contemporary Africa? Based on Marc Epprecht's award-winning monograph 'Hungochani: the history of a dissident sexuality in southern Africa', along with creative contributions from other pioneering scholars in the field, this study offers a sympathetic portrayal of the lives of people who do not conform to society's dominant expectations in terms of love and marriage. Additional material includes several fictionalised accounts of same-sex relationships in southern Africa. 240pp, ZIMBABWE. GALZ PUBLICATIONS.